GPs should say yes to shared care letters from specialists
When a gender specialist writes to a GP proposing shared care, it represents a practical and professional arrangement that deserves acceptance and engagement.12 February 2026
General practitioners receive letters from gender specialists proposing shared care arrangements, yet some hesitate to commit. These letters are not requests for permission but invitations to collaborate in the ongoing support of a patient's health.
Shared care is a recognised model in NHS practice across many specialties. It allows a specialist to guide clinical direction whilst a GP provides continuity, accessibility, and local knowledge. For patients navigating gender-affirming care, this partnership offers both expertise and stability.
The full article explores why these arrangements matter, what they ask of GPs, and how they serve patients well. If you've received such a letter, or you're wondering what shared care really means in practice, it's worth a read.